France’s home defence in Sunday’s G1 Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly rests largely on the shoulders of the lightly raced Daryzan, as Aidan O’Brien arrives with another powerful hand headed by Dee Stakes winner Constitution River. The 2100-metre Classic has already fallen to Ballydoyle once this season through Camille Pissarro, and O’Brien now bids for a fifth European Classic victory from seven run in 2026.

Constitution River shapes as the leading overseas challenger despite an awkward barrier 15. The son of Wootton Bassett booked his place in the French Derby with a dominant seven-length victory in the Listed Dee Stakes at Chester earlier this month, a performance that significantly elevated his standing among the European middle-distance colts.

O’Brien indicated the Chester run answered a key question around stamina. He said the stable travelled there “looking to find out if he stayed a mile and a quarter” and added that the colt “saw it out very well there.” The trainer also stressed that “everything has gone very well in the build-up to the race,” before describing Constitution River as “a very classy horse.”

The draw remains a statistical concern. Eleven of the last 12 winners emerged from stall eight or lower, although Saonois famously overcame gate 16 in 2012 under Antoine Hamelin.

O’Brien’s supporting cast includes Hawk Mountain and Montreal. Christophe Soumillon partners Hawk Mountain, who already owns winning form at Chantilly after scoring there in May, while Wayne Lordan rides Montreal, who was narrowly denied by Dolmalan at this venue last time.

The Irish trainer suggested local experience could prove decisive, noting that Hawk Mountain’s familiarity with Chantilly “could prove crucial.” He was slightly more measured on Montreal, describing him as “still a bit of a baby” but adding that the colt is “growing up with every run.”

Among the late additions to the field is the John and Thady Gosden-trained Oxagon, supplemented this week at a cost of €72,000. Owned by Prince Faisal, the Frankel colt steps up in distance after finishing sixth behind Bow Echo in the G1 2000 Guineas.

Ted Voute, racing advisor to Prince Faisal, acknowledged the gamble involved in the move. “It’s a bit of a punt,” he said, while noting the owner was eager “to have a go.” The decision underlines the open nature of this year’s renewal beyond the leading Ballydoyle runners.

Francis-Henri Graffard has opted for a far bolder route with Daryzan, who comes into the race off just a maiden victory. The colt is a half-brother to Group 1 winner Daryz, and Graffard believes pedigree and natural ability can compensate for his lack of experience.

The trainer openly described the challenge as “a daring gamble” and admitted it is “never easy to approach this kind of race with very little experience.” However, he revealed Daryzan’s career had been delayed and said the colt had matured considerably following his debut success. Graffard’s most telling comment may have been his assertion that “there is only one Jockey Club,” adding that the colt possesses “the pedigree and raw ability to take part.”

Mickael Barzalona’s decision to ride Daryzan instead of the unbeaten Dolmalan adds another layer of intrigue. Dolmalan extended his perfect record to three with a head victory over Montreal in his latest start and remains one of the more progressive runners in the field.

Other notable French-trained contenders include Pearled Majesty and Andre Fabre’s Komorebi. Pearled Majesty has already won three times and carries connections to French Derby history through part-owner Criquette Head-Maarek, who trained Bering to win the race in 1986.

Head-Maarek dismissed concerns around conditions and barriers, declaring: “There will be no excuses on Sunday, not the ground, nor the draw.” Referencing her Arc triumph from gate 22, she added that “all the lights are green.” Co-owner Mauricio Delcher Sanchez reinforced the stable’s confidence, saying they had “always held him in high regard.”

Komorebi arrives off a strong second in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains, achieved on testing ground conditions unlike those expected on Sunday. Fabre also holds a major chance elsewhere on the card with Prince Faisal’s Group 1-winning sprinter Sajir in the G3 Prix du Gros-Chene.

For all the depth in the local challenge, the race again appears to revolve around Ballydoyle’s strength versus France’s emerging talent. Chantilly has often rewarded experience, tactical positioning and proven class. On Sunday, it may also reveal whether Daryzan’s raw potential is enough to repel another O’Brien raid.